TLP Protest: Confusion, Clashes, and Questions Over Muridke Incident
October 13, 2025
The recent protest by Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) has sparked widespread confusion, social media rumours, and sporadic violence as the group’s march from Lahore towards Islamabad continues to dominate national headlines.
Authorities have responded with traffic diversions, security blockades, and temporary internet suspensions in various areas to maintain law and order. However, conflicting reports—particularly regarding alleged violence in Muridke—have raised more questions than answers.
How the Situation Escalated
The protest began in Lahore on Thursday as a show of solidarity with Gaza. Organizers later announced plans to march towards Islamabad, leading officials to block major routes and deploy law enforcement teams along the motorway.
Despite repeated appeals from the government, TLP leaders insisted on continuing their march, claiming their movement mirrored demonstrations in Europe. Authorities, however, stated that those events abroad were largely peaceful and symbolic, not protest-based.
According to police reports, some TLP workers allegedly used stones, batons, and petrol bombs, prompting security forces to intervene with tear gas and anti-riot measures.
The Muridke Confusion
Muridke became the main flashpoint of the day, with both sides reporting injuries. Police claimed they recovered a rifle linked to a TLP leader, Anas Rizvi, which was allegedly used during the clashes.
While social media posts claimed multiple casualties, official sources and hospital staff reported only a few confirmed deaths — one police officer, one TLP worker, and a bystander. Authorities have called the higher figures circulating online “exaggerated” and urged the public to rely on verified updates.
Eyewitnesses also noted that the crowd size in Muridke was smaller than portrayed on social media platforms.
Where Is the TLP Leadership?
Speculation about TLP chief Saad Rizvi’s whereabouts gained traction online, with unverified reports claiming injuries or detentions. However, government officials have not confirmed any arrests or medical emergencies involving Rizvi or other senior leaders.
During overnight negotiations, TLP’s delegation — including Shafique Amini, Ghous Baghdadi, and Faizi — met with Punjab Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique, IG Punjab Usman Anwar, and Allama Tahir Ashrafi. The government urged TLP to call off the march and resume talks peacefully, assuring that their concerns would be addressed through dialogue.
Situation in Lahore and Karachi
By late evening, most major routes in Lahore were reopened, except for a few roads near TLP’s headquarters and the Lahore Press Club, which remained sealed as a precaution.
The Motorway Police also confirmed that traffic between Lahore and Islamabad was moving normally.
In Karachi, social media rumours about road blockages and sit-ins were dismissed by Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar and city police, who confirmed that the situation remained under control.
Despite the reassurances, some educational institutions and private offices opted to close or switch to online operations, citing safety concerns amid ongoing uncertainty.
What’s Next?
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely while urging the public to avoid unverified reports circulating online.
Officials have reiterated that dialogue remains the only way forward, as misinformation and speculation risk escalating tensions further.
As of now, peace has largely been restored in Lahore and other major cities, though security remains on high alert.
